Mental Health Urgent Care

This initiative is in partnership with the University of Vermont Medical Center, Community Health Centers, Pathways Vermont, and the Vermont Department of Mental Health.

Public Town Hall Webinar on October 16 from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.

Join us to learn more at a public town hall webinar on October 16 from 6:00-7:30 pm. There will be a presentation by the project managers Cathie Buscaglia and Charlotte McCorkel from Howard Center and Maureen Leahy and Karen Vastine from the University of Vermont Medical Center followed by a question-and-answer period.

American Sign Language interpretation will be provided.

Register Here

Recording from Public Town Hall Webinar on September 10

Page Contents

Services

At MHUC, we provide:

• Mental Health Support Services: Immediate mental health assessment, support, stabilization, brief interventions, and safety planning.
• Peer Support: Compassionate care from trained peer support specialists.
• Medical Care: Medical assessments and care, wound care, health education, and chronic disease management.
• Care Management: Referrals to community resources, assistance with medications, and follow-up care.

Our goal is to deliver person-centered, equitable, and coordinated care tailored to meet each guest’s needs.

MHUC is here for adults over the age of 18 who:

• Are experiencing mental health concerns or distress.
• Have complex diagnoses, including intellectual disability, substance use disorder, or traumatic brain injury.
• Are in a suicide crisis.
• Have co-occurring medical conditions.
• Need immediate peer support.

MHUC bridges the gap between emergency care and primary care, providing timely mental health services in a supportive environment.

Our program is designed to reduce unnecessary emergency department visits by offering therapeutic options for those in need of immediate mental health support.

Frequently Asked Questions

 

What happens if I need ongoing support after 5:00 p.m.?

Our staff will help determine the next steps, including referrals to other programs or identifying natural supports. Guests may return the next morning for additional support.

Is there a charge for services?

MHUC is fully funded for three years. No charges or bills will be issued during this period, except for physical health medical care services covered by insurance.

Can the emergency department refer me to MHUC?

Yes, emergency department staff can refer patients to MHUC as part of a discharge plan, though they cannot refuse immediate treatment.

How is MHUC different from the emergency department?

MHUC focuses specifically on mental health and wellbeing, providing care in a trauma-informed, suicide-safe environment tailored to the needs of each guest.

Dr. Adam Greenlee, Kim Anderson, and Joanne Wallis RN, Community Health Centers, Karen Vastine, UVM Medical Center, Cathie Buscaglia, Howard Center, and Maria Moore and Hilary Melton, Pathways Vermont

Howard Center CEO Sandy McGuire and Cathie Buscaglia, director of innovation and special projects at the hard hat tour on August 1.

 

 

See media clips of our hard hat tour on August 1:

https://www.wcax.com/2024/08/02/new-mental-health-urgent-care-center-is-coming-burlington/

https://www.mynbc5.com/article/mental-health-urgent-care-clinic-coming-to-burlington-in-october/61768868

Mental Health Urgent Care is a collaboration with multiple partners including:

• Howard Center: Program oversight and clinical management.
• Community Health Centers: Onsite nursing, telehealth, and follow-up medical care.
• Pathways Vermont: Peer support services.
• University of Vermont Medical Center: Providing space, funding, and support.